Trek World not only gave us the opportunity to see what’s new from the Wisconsin-based bike manufacturer – but also sister brand Bontrager.
The 2014 Bontrager range includes a new top-of-the-range helmet, an updated shoe line, a new saddle modeled on the Fizik Arione and Bontrager’s first ‘see by’ light. Head this way to see what’s new from Trek, including an aero updated to the 4-Series Madone.
Velocis helmet introduced
The Velocis is Bontrager’s new top-of-the-range helmet – the eagle-eyed among you may have spotted it on the heads of some Radioshack-Leopard riders at the Tour de France.
The Velocis supersedes the Oracle (which itself remains in the range) as Bontrager’s flagship road lid and they say it’s their “fastest, lightest and most innovative helmet ever”.
The key change is the use of a composite inner skeleton which Bontrager say allows them to use larger vents without compromising the structural integrity of the helmet. It also helps keep the helmet’s weight down at a claimed 228g.
The Velocis uses Bontrager’s existing Headmaster II fit system, which uses an adjustment dial at the rear of the helmet, and a cradle which can be set to three different height, in order to fine-tune the fit.
Inside the helmet, the FormFit brow band is designed to form to the shape of the forehead. It also runs the length of the entire brow to help stop sweat running down to your eyes. One particularly interesting feature is the optional NeoVisor; a removable visor which slots in front of the brow band and attaches with a handful of small velcro patches. As a result, it’s said to have no impact on fit and will keep the sun or rain out of your eyes, much like a traditional cotton cap.
The Velocis is available in four colours, including the matte black/charcoal option photographed at Trek World, for £159.99.
Team Sky shoes now available
One of Bontrager’s key strategic goals is to be recognised as a standalone brand, rather than purely as a subsidiary Trek. One of the ways they want to achieve that is through the sponsorship of professional riders who may not necessarily be associated with either Trek (as they ride for a team with a different bike sponsor).
One of those riders is Kanstantsin Siutsou, who uses the Bontrager RXL shoe in this limited edition Team Sky colourway. Now it’s available to the public, too, but only in limited sizes (41-45) and limited numbers.
The RXL is, of course, available in a range of regular colours. The sole has a rating of 12 (the highest possible) on Bontrager’s stiffness index and claimed weight is 276g per shoe.
Both the RXL and the RL (which is available in the new-for-2014 high-viz yellow pictured above) have a new low-profile buckle, originally designed for Bontrager’s mountain bike shoes in order to prevent the buckle hitting rocks and roots.
New Serano saddle
Another 2014 product which debuted at the Tour de France but which has now officially broken cover is the new Serano saddle.
Bontrager say the shape of the saddle is based on the Fizik Arione, a popular choice in the peloton, but uses two of the key technologies found on other Bontrager saddles: Zone Density Foam and an inForm BioDynamic design, giving the saddle a high tail to provide a power-friendly profile for riders who adopt an aggressive position.
There are two versions of the saddle: the carbon-railed RXL, which has a claimed weight of 185g, and the RL, which has titanium rails and a marginally heavier claimed weight (TBC).
Updated clothing line
Bontrager’s clothing line has been updated with new colours across the range. They’re also now using their own proprietary fabric called Profila. They say it does everything you’d expect a premium fabric to do – it’s lightweight, breathable and fast-wicking – but by using their own fabric Bontrager say they’re able to tweak its properties according to the type of garment.
So, for the 2014 spring/summer range, there’s Profila Cool, for maximum breathability, Profila UV, for block out UV rays, Profila Power, a compressive fabric designed to offer support and Profila Dry, designed to wick moisture rapidly and dry quickly.
The RXXXL jersey, for example, uses Profila Dry, while the corresponding bib shorts are made from Profila Power. The RXL Summer jersey, meanwhile, is designed for the hottest of days and is therefore made from Profila Cool with Profila Dry inserts.
New ‘see by’ light
The Ion 700 USB is Bontrager’s first ‘see by’ light. As the name suggest, it has a claimed output of 700 Lumens, which is venturing into serious light territory and should be plenty in principle for serious commuting and some training on unlit roads.
The light, which is USB rechargeable, has five modes (three solid and two flashing) and can be rotated 360 degrees on the quick-release mount. It’s a compact unit, which also has side illumination by way or two small, yellow windows.
Finally, this Travel Charger pump is also new from Bontrager. It’s a travel version of the existing Charger track pump, designed as a high-volume pump for when space is at a premium, so to chuck in the back of your car ahead of a sportive, or in a bike bag if taking your bike abroad.
It folds down into a neat package which is far less obtrusive than a traditional track pump and has a folding foot platform to help get your tyres pumped up in double-quick time.
Website: Bontrager
